Combining textures into a single file

[madoke]

I have created a number of scenery objects, but have been using individual texture files for each texture. I want to combine textures into a single file (as I see on many other's objects, to reduce the number of texture files in my models. Some of my works have up to 75 texture files today. I use 3dsMax as my final editor, and often import from Sketchup. Is this done with a particular specific application, or the old fashioned way, copy and paste till you are done, in photoshop? Is there a size limit for this type of file (in RW)?

Doug

[mrennie]

I have created a number of scenery objects, but have been using individual texture files for each texture. I want to combine textures into a single file (as I see on many other's objects, to reduce the number of texture files in my models. Some of my works have up to 75 texture files today. I use 3dsMax as my final editor, and often import from Sketchup. Is this done with a particular specific application, or the old fashioned way, copy and paste till you are done, in photoshop? Is there a size limit for this type of file (in RW)?

Doug

I don't know about 3DSMax, but in 3DCrafter, if you change the size of the texture file, you have to remap everything all over again, which is a real pain. I actually prefer to have many separate texture files - I find it easier to keep track of where the texture for a particular part is located (through the name of the texture file). I usually put the textures for a particular part, such as a pump or dynamo, into its own dedicated file, but I also have some multi-use texture files that I use on several parts (textures for common things like nuts and bolts, pipes, etc.), plus I have textures that are fairly generic and can be re-used all over the place (where manual shadow baking isn't needed), which helps keep down the number of dedicated textures, and hence the number of texture files in memory.

I think I read something about 4096 by 4096 pixel texture files being allowed now. I never go above 1024x1024, but that's because 3DC doesn't handle larger texture files very well. If I were you, I wouldn't worry about trying to squeeze the textures into fewer, but larger, files. I don't think it'll make any noticeable difference to performance. IMHO, it'll just be a waste of your time and might even make it harder for you to use the texture files. Basically, I'd stick with having many files, but make sure they're well named and organised, so you easily can find the texture you need.

Cheers,

Mike

[spec5sx]

Hiya Doug,

If you're using 3ds Max then the "Render To Texture" process will help you reduce the number of textures you are using.

You can learn a little more about it here.

http://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/HowTo/Render_to_Texture

I was thinking about writing a short tutorial to adapt this for Railworks.

[madoke]

Thanks folks,

That is the advice I was hoping for. I think I'll stick with the individual file method for now, but I am very interested in learning how to utilize the "render to texture" tool for when it may be useful. A tutorial tweak to address the unique RW issues with its shader properties would be very useful. I am in the process of cataloging my huge supply of textures, so that many more can be reused in other structures. Most of my current structures are photo accurate for the building modeled, but for self designed structures these would be very useful. I am resizing all my textures to power of 2, and keeping both .png, for Sketchup, and ace versions for RW so less work will be required later on. A big list of windows, siding or brick textures, roofing, doors, etc. could be lots of fun.

Thanks again,

Doug

[Bananarama]

I find that I can get quite a bit of mileage by using 512 x 2048 textures for my buildings. Since most of what I do requires tiling, I place roof textures ear the top, windows and doors in the middle, and the main wall texture from halfway down to the bottom, which keeps texels close to each other, mip values that are acceptable, and keep the draw calls to an absolute minimum.